The Hot List: April Events in Toronto + Montreal

Your Montreal and Toronto to-dos this month.

Mar 27, 2014
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YUL

Your Montreal to-dos this month

Festival Vue sur la relève
April 2–12
Various venuesvuesurlareve.comUp-and-coming francophone artists follow in the footsteps of singer and festival spokesperson Alex Nevsky as they take centre stage at four performance spaces in the city’s cultural heart, including La Sala Rossa and Lion d’Or. A true springboard for emerging talent in theatre, music and dance.

Need a workout?Spin Énergie
3483, av. du Parcspinenergie.comInspired by the high-energy fitness scene in L.A. and New York, actor Yanic Truesdale (Gilmore Girls) launched his own stylish indoor-cycling studio. Drop in for a 45-minute full-body workout by candlelight that’ll get you into gear.

Harlem GlobetrottersApril 4
Bell Centreharlemglobetrotters.com
High-speed dribbling, dazzling dunks and hilarious hijinks are on display as the Harlem Globetrotters bring their mix of athleticism and showmanship to the hard court. Always looking for ways to entertain, this time the Globetrotters have an unusual concept: Fans vote for one new game rule on the team website before tipoff.

Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc.

Martha Wainwright
April 18
Outremont Theatremarthawainwright.comPart of the famous musical family with roots in Montreal – brother to Rufus and daughter of Kate McGarrigle – Martha Wainwright is coming home for her latest album Come Home to Mama. Equal parts sweetness and ferocity, her emotion-filled voice will cast a spell on you.

Kurios
April 28—May 18
Old Portcirquedusoleil.comUnder the big top in Montreal’s Old Port, a new colourful Cirque du Soleil world comes to life, where fantastical creatures juggle, dance and soar under the direction of Michel Laprise – fresh off his latest triumph, Madonna’s MDNA tour.

Papier 14April 25—27 Quartier des spectacles papiermontreal.comThis fair, dedicated to contemporary artwork on paper, brings together Canadian gallery owners, art professionals and artists in a big white tent in the heart of the entertainment district. Collectors can find must-have pieces ranging from $500 to $50,000.

Vues d'Afrique
April 25—May 4
Various venues vuesdafrique.com
Actress Aïssa Maïga, who lends her voice to the opening film, the animated Aya de Yopougon, will be honoured at this year’s 30th edition of the festival, which features an outstanding lineup of African and Creole films.

Monster & FMX Spectacular
April 26
Olympic Stadium monsterspectacular.com
Join 40,000 other fans of high-octane mayhem at the Olympic Stadium. While you sit safe and sound in the stands, monster trucks tackle obstacle courses, leaping to great heights and crushing everything in their path.

Photo: Duo Énergie Graphique

Hungry?
Mme Lee
151, rue Ontario E. mmelee.com
Stop by this Latin Quarter resto-bar, with floor-to-ceiling shiny white subway tiles and dark woods, which turns into a dance club as the evening progresses. Just keep it light on the lobster po’ boys so you can bust a move.

YTZ

Your Toronto to-dos this month

Feeling arty?2186 Dundas 2186 Dundas St. W. This storefront gallery at Dundas West and Roncesvalles confirms the small-packages adage with its economical floor plan and witty art selection. The focus is on young artists; this is where you’ll discover the next big name in Canadian contemporary art.

Photo: Andrew Williamson

ReelWorld Film Festival
April 2–6
Famous Players, Canada Square reelworld.ca The Young and the Restless star Tonya Williams founded ReelWorld 15 years ago to give aspiring filmmakers from culturally diverse backgrounds a sorely needed platform. The festival was a smash hit. Watch over 65 features, animated films, shorts and music videos at this year’s edition.

The Good Food & Drink Festival
April 4–6
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place goodfoodfestival.com
Arriving with an empty stomach to this festival is a foodie’s version of The Hunger Games. The odds are in your favour as you sample hundreds of edible goods from chefs, farmers, winemakers and brewers.

Toronto Yonge Street 10k
April 13
Starts at Yonge and Eglinton canadarunningseries.com
Thousands will hoof it through the city centre in the name of their chosen charity in this annual 10-kilometre race. Cardio not quite up to snuff? Exercise your lungs by cheering the do-gooders on from the sidelines from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Photo: Canada Running Series

Hot Docs
April 24–May 4
Hot Docs Cinema hotdocs.ca
Hot Docs is the largest documentary film festival in North America, with over 200 entries this year. This festival is your chance to see the work of emerging filmmakers on the big screen – the 2014 edition features a showcase for recent Danish documentaries.

Photo: John Barduhn

Music & Truffles
April 27
MacMillan Theatre, Edward Johnson Building mooredaleconcerts.com
This hour-long musical party for kids mixes the lure of chocolate with horn music by the world-renowned Canadian Brass ensemble. The fun is topped off with a sugar buzz: No one leaves without a chocolate truffle.

Photo: Larry Polis/Plano Symphony Orchestra

Kama Reading Series Presents: Another Place
April 30
Park Hyatt Toronto worldlit.ca
Bask in the joy of reading, writing and critical thought at this event by World Literacy Canada, where Teresa Toten, Ronald Deibert, Rachel Manley and Shyam Selvadurai read from their work in a single enchanting evening.

Green Living Show
April 25–27
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place greenlivingonline.com
With 450-plus green-minded exhibitors dedicated to a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, this consumer show is a one-stop shop for environmentally friendly clothing, makeup, snacks – even electric and hybrid vehicles, which you can test drive.